What's On in Suffolk

Welcome to the EssentialSuffolk guide to What's On in Suffolk in the coming month. Scroll down to see events by date order.

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MAY Events

May 3

An Honest Gentleman

Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich

Norfolk-based theatre company, Stuff of Dreams, will be visiting venues across the Eastern region this Spring with their latest touring production. An Honest Gentleman, written by Cordelia Spence and Tim lane, is a lively musical play telling the story of Aylsham-born highwayman Thomas Easter.

Box Office: 01473 433100

May 4 & 5

ST JOHNS CHURCH FELIXSTOWE MAY 4 7PM / ORFORD CHURCH MAY 5

EDMOND FIVET conductor ANNA NOAKES flute

PROMETHEUS ORCHESTRA CONCERTS

A year after the sell-out 10th anniversary celebration concert, PO returns to Orford playing some much-loved music. The day before the orchestra appears in Felixstowe as part of the Festival. The main event is Mendelssohn’s exuberant Italian Symphony bursting with sunshine, warmth and colour, heralding the summer to come. Before the interval one famous piece, the monumental Vaughan-Williams Thomas Tallis Fantasia and the lesser known & beautiful Damase Flute Concerto. Entry Price: £15 / £18

May 5

BECCLES ANTIQUES STREET MARKET

Beccles Town Centre, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9HA

The first of two Antiques Street Markets held in the centre of Beccles will take place on Sunday 5th May, (Bank Holiday weekend), with the second market taking place on Sunday August 11th. The market plays host to a hundred general and specialist dealers selling a wide range of good quality antiques and collectables including furniture, silver, china, linen, jewellery, books, clocks, retro and vintage design and decorative items. Many of the local shops and restaurants and bars are open that day and first class local ‘street food’ catering is incorporated into the market, including a hog roast. If you haven’t been before you really should give it a visit and experience the pleasure of a busy outdoor specialist market.

Explore Paw x Paw - Charity Dog Fun Run or Walk

The Elveden Estate, 11am

Welcome walkers, runners and most importantly dogs of East Anglia to Explore Paw by Paw. Outdoor activity, adventure and survival specialists, Explore 4x4, are bringing back for the second year running, their event for runners, walkers and their four-legged canine friends. A 5km off-road fun run or walk, takes you through enchanting countryside not often accessible to the public, at the prestigious Elveden Estate, on Sunday 5th May.

Winners of the East of England, Rural Business Awards 2018/19 ‘Best Outdoor Recreational Business’ and specialists in the great outdoors and country pursuits, the team at Explore 4x4 had the idea to create a fun run, with a twist. “We all love our dogs, and it seemed obvious to marry our love for outdoor activities with our beloved companions and invite dog lovers to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of our off-road course at Elveden. You can run, you can walk, you can let your dog decide the pace!” comments Debs Turpin, co-founder of Explore 4x4.

The run will be raising funds and awareness for a very special charity, the Dogs Trust, to help them continue their mission to bring about a day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of destruction. Both founders of Explore 4x4 have rescue dogs and it is a cause close to their hearts.

The 5km route makes use of the beautiful countryside, natural woodland terrain as well as our 4x4 off road course. There will be no obligation to run, owners and their dogs can enjoy a Spring day out with friends and family. Debs comments “above all else our aim is to for everyone to have a tail wagging, ear flapping jolly good time and raise as much money as we possibly can for the Dogs Trust!”

Entry: £12 for one human and one dog, £10 per additional human, £3 per additional dog. Children aged 12 years and younger go free but must be accompanied by an adult (max. 3 children per 1 adult).

may 6

Mendlesham Craft Show & Street Fayre

Mendlesham Art and Craft Show held in conjunction with the Annual Street Fayre. Held in a large airy hall with 25 Art and Craft stalls displaying their original handcrafted items.

Entry: £3(under 16s free)

Contact: 01449 766006

MAY 8

The Tide Jetty

Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall, Crabbe Street, Aldeburgh, 7.30pm

Two brothers, Tucky and Nathan grow up on the banks of Breydon Water alongside tomboy, Eliza. The three of them are inseparable. As they grow older the inevitable happens and both the boys fall for her. But tragedy tears the trio apart and years later it is time to discover the truth of what really happened…The Tide Jetty is a new and thought-provoking play exploring what we treasure and how and why we preserve it.

Tickets: £14.50 and £13.50 (Concessions)

Box Office: 01473 211498

easternangles.co.uk

MAY 9

Hair & Holiday cheese and wine fundraising event

Michael Richards Hairdressing, 95 Penshurst Road, Ipswich. 5pm to 7pm

Michael Richards Hairdressing know just how important fabulous hair is on your holidays which is why they are teaming up with TravelQuest for this exclusive evening. Join them for cheese and wine in their Ipswich salon as they share top hair care tips and easy to manage styles for you to recreate. With money off vouchers and an unmissable raffle, tickets for the event are £5 with all proceeds in aid of The Alde & Ore Estuary Trust.

May 10

An Honest Gentleman

The Cut, Halesworth

Norfolk-based theatre company, Stuff of Dreams, will be visiting venues across the Eastern region this Spring with their latest touring production. An Honest Gentleman, written by Cordelia Spence and Tim lane, is a lively musical play telling the story of Aylsham-born highwayman Thomas Easter.

Box Office: 0300 3033211

May 11

Verdi Requiem

Snape Maltings Concert Hall 7:30pm

Beccles Choral Society, Gippeswyk Singers and Phoenix Singers are joining together to present Verdi's glorious choral masterpiece - a work of great lyrical beauty and passion - featuring international soloists: Elin Pritchard (soprano), Kate Woolveridge (mezzo soprano), John Upperton (tenor) and Andrew Slater (bass baritone). The thundering drums and heralding trumpets of the Lambeth Orchestra will have you tingling from head to toe! This performance also includes "Fanfare for Verdi Brass" by Simon Milton. Conducted by Geoff Lavery.

Downland`s Denmark

Music from the court of Christian IV (1588-1648). Downland`s Denmark introduces the music of this grand court encountered through the British and Irish musicians, the experience of being a travelling musician and the longing for the sounds of home.

Entry: £14 or become a Friend for free admission. School-age students free.

Contact: Tickets for the concert can be bought online www.eastanglianacademy.org.uk or by email eastanglianacademy@gmail.com and on the door.

www.eastanglianacademy.org.uk

SAXjazz - The Swing Machine big band

Saxmundham Market Hall, High Street, Saxmundham

Come early at 7pm and practise or learn the dance moves to Swingmusic before the action starts - Listen and dance to the music of Glenn Miller,Count Basie, Ted Heath, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington and Stan Kenton and others

Entry: £10

Contact: rosiehhoare@gmail.com / 01728 602468

www.saxmarkethall.co.uk

MAY 17

May 17

St Mary's Church Farnham IP17 1LA, 7pm

Spring Serenade

Professional and amateur musicians resident in the Farnham and Stratford St Andrew area are joining together for a second time to put on a musical event which will raise money for St Mary's Church Farnham and Lighthouse Women's Aid while also providing an enjoyable and uplifting experience for the whole community. The programme will include Spring from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, soloist Roger Garland, and Morley's 'Now is the month of Maying' from the Aviary Choir. Ticket price includes fizz and canapés before the concert. Entry £15

01728 602679

THE HISTORY OF ASPALL CHURCH - A TALK by ROY TRICKER

St Mary of Grace Church, Aspall, Debenham, IP14 6NY. 7 pm

Lecture in aid of this church by well known Suffolk church historian Roy Tricker who has also produced a booklet. Pesvener describes the beautifully carved Victorian bench ends with carved figures, beasts & poppy heads etc. as 'an excellent set if not by Ringham by someone equally skilled'.

Entry: £10 [including a drink & nibbles]

Contact: Jean Ward 01728 860121 jean_ward10@yahoo.co.uk

May 18

St Bartholomew’s Church, Orford, 7.30 pm

Aldeburgh Music Club choir

A Night with the Choir

Aldeburgh Music Club Choir concludes its 2018-19 season with a diverse programme of sacred and secular music, conducted by Edmond Fivet.
The evening includes the world premiere of ‘Sonata for cello and piano’ composed by locally based composer Jonathan Rutherford (with cellist Michal Kaznowski), Edward Elgar’s ‘Sea Pictures’ arranged for choir and piano, and a choral medley from Leonard Bernstein’s ‘West Side Story’. Works by John Tavener, Gabriel Fauré and the 16th century Cistercian monk Jacob Handl, complete the programme.

Tickets priced at £18 are available from Snape Maltings Box Office on 01728 687110 or via the club’s website www.aldeburghmusic.club

Wolsey Orchestra - May Concert

Ipswich Corn Exchange, King Street, Ipswich IP1 1DH

For the final concert of the season, why not come and join the Wolsey Orchestra (conducted by Andrew Morley) and local pianist and concerto Finalist in the 2008 BBC Young Musicians Competition, Erdem Misirlioğlu, for an evening of nineteenth century romantic music:

Harmonica Workshop

New Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth 10am-4pm

Harmonica player and teacher Paul Gillings will guide you through the rudiments of playing the humble mouth organ. In one day Paul will take you from being a complete novice to being able to play tunes, scales and chords. You will need: a 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C (Harmonicas will be available to purchase on the day). The workshop will take you through all you need to know from how to hold the harmonica, to breathing, basic chords, tone, airflow and then onto a introduction to the blues, scales and improvisation. At all stages the emphasis is on actually playing the harmonica and every technique has an accompanying tune and backing track to demonstrate the tuition.

Entry: £30

Contact: 0300 3033211 box office to book

newcut.org

A NIGHT WITH THE CHOIR

St Bartholemews Church, Orford

Aldeburgh Music Club presents "A Night with the Choir" conducted by Edmond Fivet. Faure: Cantique de Jean Racine Tavener: The Lamb Handl: Ecce, Quomondo Moritur Bernstein: West Side Story - a choral medley Elgar: Sea Pictures - for choir and piano

Entry: £18

Contact: 01728 687110

www.aldeburghmusic.club

Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital open day

Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, 9.30am - 1.30pm

Considering Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital? Come along to our open day and see our facilities for yourself.

What will happen at this event? An opportunity to see inside our Theatres, Imaging and Physiotherapy departments with a hospital tour Demonstrations of infection prevention, including hand hygiene, and basic life support Learn about antibiotic awareness, the signs of sepsis, and our Schools Wellbeing Activity Programme Find out about our current vacancies and what it’s like to work for Nuffield Health

Booking your place You are welcome to simply turn up on the day, however if you wish to partake in a hospital tour, we advise you to book. We have ample free parking and refreshments will be provided.

To book your place call 01473 279 179 or email us.

Entry: Free

Contact: alexandra.wortley@nuffieldhealth.com

www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/ipswich/events/hospital-open-day

May 19

Suffolk Sunrise Cycle Sportive

Framlingham College - from 630am

Setting off with over 900 riders on this popular charity sportive you will soon be exploring the quiet country lanes of Suffolk which were just made for cycling with little traffic, superb countryside and coastal scenery.

GRAND BROCANTE at GLEMHAM HALL

Antique and Vintage market with over 80 Antique traders ,food village and entertainment

Entry: £3 per car full

Contact: 01986 948546

www.ablackdogevent.com

May 21

Aldeburgh & District Flower Club's May meeting - Second-hand Rose

Aldeburgh Church Hall, Victoria Road, Aldeburgh IP15 5EA - 2.30pm

Join us for Aldeburgh & District Flower Club's May meeting in Aldeburgh Church Hall, Victoria Road, IP15 5EA, when our guest demonstrator Moira Neville will present "Second-hand Rose". Tea and coffee will be available, as well as our monthly raffle - a chance to win one of Moira's beautiful floral arrangements.

Entry: Admission at the door £5.00

Contact: 07748 854635 / markbhirst@gmail.com

May 24

An Honest Gentleman

Fisher Theatre, Bungay

Norfolk-based theatre company, Stuff of Dreams, will be visiting venues across the Eastern region this Spring with their latest touring production. An Honest Gentleman, written by Cordelia Spence and Tim lane, is a lively musical play telling the story of Aylsham-born highwayman Thomas Easter.

Box Office: 01986 897130

May 25

Team Duathlon

Framlingham Sports Club, Badingham Road, Framlingham. 11am - 1pm

The Team Duathlon is a relay style event as part of the Framlingham Gala Fest weekend, consisting of a 2k run, 16k bike and 5k run. Get together a team of three friends or family members, one to take on the short run around the Sports Club Field, one to bike, and one to complete a longer run.Starting at 11am the short 2k run will take place on the field at Framlingham Sports Club, allowing all ages 10+ to give this a go. When this has been completed the second team member will start a 16k bike ride, setting off and finishing at the Sports Club transitional area. Once the cycling has been completed the third team member will start a 5k run on footpaths and bridleways around Framlingham. Following the end of the event there will be a BBQ and bar at Framlingham Sports Club for all competitors and spectators, and will be followed by live music into the evening. The event is ideal for all levels of ability so whether you do it with friends, family or as a company, find your team of 3 people and secure your entry.

Entry: £30 per team of 3 people. Entry deadline 18th May 2019

Contact: Email Tim for more details - tjs1955@hotmail.co.uk

www.framlinghamgalafest.co.uk

Framlingham Gala Fest Live Music Night

Framlingham Sports Club, Badingham Road, Framlingham. 1pm - 11pm

An evening of live rock, pop and country classics. The live music starts at 1pm beginning with local acts and continues until 11pm with the main acts.Refreshments willl be available and the bar will be open selling a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, plus there will be stalls with entertainment for the children. The Line Up • Connor Adams • Black Delilah • Blue Mean Eyes • Man in a Hat • The Eleventh Hour • Serena Grant • Nicky Rubin • AdeliJa • Stetsons are Cool • Harmless Cross Fire • Anna Carter • Andy Dee Martino • Lauren Jennifer

Entry : Free for all until 5pm. After 5pm £5 adults (under 16s free).

Contact : tjs1955@hotmail.co.uk

www.framlinghamgalafest.co.uk

may 25 and 26

The Beer and Gin Festival

Tickets available from reception or over the phone on 01379 873 940. With over 20 ales, ciders & continental beers alongside live bands both days, a superb hog-roast and plenty of exciting games to keep everyone entertained.

May 25 to June 9

suffolk Art Society Exhibition

The Suffolk Art Society annual Spring exhibition will take place in St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Lavenham. Entry is free and all the paintings on display are for sale. The Society has recently welcomed a number of new members who together with regular exhibitors will showcase a huge variety of styles and subject matter.Entry: FREE

Contact: 07890210361. Clarepowell9@btinternet.com

www.suffolkartsociety

May 26

Radio Active

Angus Deayton (Have I Got News For You, One Foot In The Grave, Nighty Night), Helen Atkinson Wood (Blackadder, The Young Ones, QI), Michael Fenton Stevens (Benidorm, My Family) and Philip Pope (Who Dares Wins, Chelmsford 123, Only Fools & Horses) reunite to take classic scripts from the award-winning BBC Radio 4 show on the road following a sell-out and critically acclaimed run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Among other classic characters expect to catch up with long suffering radio host Mike Channel, original foodie Anna Daptor, and the accident-prone Martin Brown, as well as the cast’s original musical creations, responsible for such parody bands as The Hee Bee Gee Bees and Status Quid.

May 27

Framlingham Gala Fest

Framlingham Castle Meadow

Fun on the Castle Meadow starts as soon as the gates open at 12noon. There will be something for everyone, young or old, to enjoy. There will be entertainment and acts to watch throughout the afternoon including live music until 8pm, have-a-go archery, side stall games, the traditional races will take place for the children, (and maybe the adults), including the classic sack race. Also for the children there will be face painting, games plus magic by Magic Olly. The fun fair will also be open all afternoon. Refreshments on the day will include a freshly cooked paella, a BBQ, ice cream, doughnuts and bar with various alcoholic drinks available.The Gala Fest Parade: You can also watch and follow the Gala Fest Parade through the town as it makes its way from Station Road up to the Castle Meadow. This year the theme for the bright and colourful floats and fancy dress is 'Sand, Sea & Surf'. The parade starts at 12.30pm.

Entry: Free

Contact: tjs1955@hotmail.co.uk

www.framlinghamgalafest.co.uk

Venetian Splendour: Giovanni Gabrieli and his German Followers

St Peter's church, Market Square, Sudbury, CO10 2EA, 6 p.m.

Instrumental and choral music by from the early 17th century Giovanni Gabrieli, Heinrich Schütz and their German contemporaries, featuring music for multiple choirs of instruments and singers. Performed by: Claire Coleman, Daniel Auchincloss, The John Jenkins Consort, Psalmody, Director: Peter Holman

Entry: Reserved £18, unreserved £12, student £9/6

Contact: 01206 366603; box@suffolkvillagesfestival.com

www.suffolkvillagesfestival.com/concert-diary/winter-series

MAY 31

ONE NIGHT ONLY - Randy Corwood (Formerly of the American Drifters)

kINGFISHERS, CRETINGHAM WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK IP13 7BA. 7pm til late

Performing all the hits from the likes of the Drifters, Temptations, the Four Tops and all your favourite soul & Motown classics

Tickets: £10

Information: 01728 685 275

kingfisherscretingham.co.uk

May 31 to june 2

Beer Festival

The Cherry Tree Inn, 73, Cumberland Street, Woodbridge, 10:30 - 23:00

The Cherry Tree Inn Woodbridge (opposite Notcutts) will be holding their beer festival on the 31st May, 1st and 2nd June 2019. There will be at least 20 real ales from all across Great Britain, including Broughton of Lannarkshire, Hafod of Flintshire, Bays of Devon, Reunion of London, Issac Poad of York and of course, our local Adnams from Southwold. The festival will run 10:30-23:00. Hot and cold food will be available 12:00-21:00 Friday and Saturday and 12:00-20:00 on Sunday. For more information please see the website www.thecherrytreepub.co.uk, telephone 01394 384627 or e-mail info@thecherrytreepub.co.uk.